As with most supplements, results occur over weeks not days. Results may also vary depending on the severity of your dog’s condition.

A good rule of thumb is to administer supplements as directed and with regularity, then watch and observe.

Consult with your veterinarian on any changes in your dog’s behavior or demeanor.

Fish Oil

Recent studies indicate a dog fish oil arthritis treatment has been proven effective in eliminating the pain and stiffness of arthritis.

Studies show when taken orally and in appropriate amounts, fish oil reduces the inflammatory mediator levels and helps eliminate the arthritis stiffness and pain.

How Does the Dog Fish Oil Arthritis Treatment Work?

Fish oils are a rich source of DHA. DHA is an Omega-3 fatty acid.

The body converts the DHA found in fish oils into another chemical called Resolvin D2 which is an anti-inflammatory.

Another way fish oil helps dogs with arthritis is through balancing the Omega-3 to Omega-6 ratio.

Since most dog foods contain an abundance Omega-6 fatty acids from vegetable oils, the balance of fatty acids tends to lean towards Omega-6.

Too much Omega-6 fatty acids can lead to increased inflammation, therefore, supplementing with fish oil will provide more Omega-3 fatty acids, bringing the dogs diet back into balance.

Giving your dog fish oil at the dosage recommended by your veterinarian will reduce inflammatory mediator levels and can thereby reduce the amount of pain and inflammation in the dog’s body.

Fish Oil Dog Arthritis Treatment Recommendations:

Salmon, tuna, anchovies, and sardines are the richest sources of fish oil. Sardine contain fewer contaminants and are more desirable than salmon, which often contains high levels of mercury and other toxins

The best fish oils contain three main types of Omega-3 fatty acids: DHA, EPA, and DPA.

Make sure the label lists the fatty acid amounts. The amounts of the DHA, EPA, and DPA should add up to within 100mg of the total Omega-3 fatty acid amount. If it does not, the product contains filler oils.

Glucosamine

Glucosamine affects a dog’s body the exact same way it affects a person’s body.

It is even safe for dogs to take human glucosamine supplements.

Glucosamine is pretty much sold everywhere and is a common home remedy for arthritis treatment.

Companies market many brands of dog glucosamine.

Most of these products contain pretty much the same active ingredients – glucosamine and chondroitin – and are frequently mixed with other ingredients including Yucca, avocado, devil’s claw and other phytopharmaceuticals.

Oral formulations of glucosamine-chondroitin come with contradictory scientific support. Some studies support its use while others claim no benefit.

Can be used by the body to produce the hyaluronic acid in synovial fluid

May reduce the need for NSAIDs

Cons

Does not work as quickly as injectable glucosamine

Does not work as effectively as injectable glucosamine

Many dogs do not like to take oral glucosamine

Injectable Glucosamine

Dosage: The dosage for injectable glucosamine is usually 0.02 mg per pound of body weight. A loading dose protocol of one injection every 4 days for a total of 8 injections is required initially. Then, after the loading dose has been completed, injections are given every 2-4 weeks. (This protocol is my recommendation based on years of experience using this medication and may vary from what some other veterinarians might recommend.)

Pros

Reaches the joint within 2 hours

Supports the cartilage matrix repair process

Diminishes joint and joint fluid damage

Slows the disease cycle of non-infectious arthritis

Reduces inflammation

Works much more rapidly and effectively than oral glucosamine

Stimulates the cartilage to produce collagen

Can be used by the body to produce the hyaluronic acid in synovial fluid

May reduce the needs for NSAIDs

Cons

Being an intramuscular injection, this product requires multiple trips to the vet clinic or the owner must learn how to give an intramuscular injection.

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About Marc Smith, DVM

Dr. Marc Smith is a practicing veterinarian in Nashville, TN and Franklin, TN. His areas of specialty include: Traditional Western Medicine, Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Chiropractic and Prolotherapy. He is also co-creator of PET | TAO, the only commercially available pet food combining Western nutritional science with Eastern Food Therapy.